Drug shortages in the UK have more than doubled between 2020 and 2023, a recent study by the Nuffield Trust reveals. Brexit is cited as a significant factor exacerbating the country’s struggle to manage shortages in medicine supplies.
Since the UK departed from the European Union in January 2020, the nation has grappled with persistently heightened shortages, particularly concerning crucial treatments like antibiotics and epilepsy drugs.
The research highlights a substantial increase in warnings issued by drug companies regarding impending shortages.
In 2023 alone, there were 1,643 warnings compared to 648 in 2020. Consequently, the government has found itself more frequently reimbursing pharmacies for purchasing drugs above standard ...